NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 739 "Don't Let Loyalty Hurt You 2.0". (Daily Chapter)
On Sunday, June 2010, 6, Tim Duncan, who lost the finals for the seventh time in his career, was finally discharged from the hospital and was interviewed.

During ESPN's morning show, when Grant Hill connected with the former MVP, many fans in front of the TV were shocked. Duncan suddenly looked a few years older.

After being "clumsy", Duncan was still full of energy, as if his knee injury had healed. However, he became listless after resting for a few days. Everyone could see that losing in the finals was a huge blow to Duncan.

The offseason is coming, and fans are of course concerned about whether Duncan will stay with the team. Grant Hill naturally followed the hot spots and asked questions, and Duncan did not say anything polite, but answered simply and neatly:

"I will leave Los Angeles. In the next few years, basketball will no longer be my pursuit. I will focus more on my family."

"I want to say sorry to the fans in Los Angeles. I failed to fulfill my promise. Thank you for accepting me. I will never forget this experience."

"."

Such a frank answer surprised Grant Hill and others in the studio, but when they thought about the "Green Light Incident", they felt a little understanding of Duncan.

The custody issue has not been resolved yet, and the loss of gold coins has become an inevitable event. Duncan also lost several endorsement contracts after coming to Los Angeles. His reputation has plummeted in this finals, and he has lost both his money and his life.

Talking about the disastrous Game 6, Duncan, who was unable to play due to a concussion, did not say "IF" like the Los Angeles fans, but said very frankly:
"We don't stand a chance against Lee."

"In 6 games, we had 5+ free throws in the first half in 20 games. Everyone knows what this means, and I will not make excuses."

"I just want to praise Lee and the Knicks. They completely crushed us from individual ability to lineup depth. It is my honor to compete with such a great opponent."

In front of the camera, Grant Hill nodded repeatedly, but in his heart he began to wonder about the change in his old rival. He always felt that Duncan had given up the championship.
During the limited online time, the two sides also talked about the hot free market.

Grant Hill just asked the usual questions as usual, but Duncan put his heart into giving advice to young players. Unlike in the past, he spoke directly from his heart on the show:
"The championship is a team effort, and not every player has the absolute strength that Lee has."

"Looking back on my career, I do have some regrets. To the young people today, I just want to say don't let loyalty hurt you. If you want to chase the championship, you have to give up something."

"I realized at the age of 34 that this is the price of being a champion!"

After hearing these shocking words, Grant Hill was silent for a moment before ending the call. Perhaps thinking about his own career, Hill rarely spoke well of Duncan after the finals:
"I feel sorry for Tim Duncan, but basketball games are sometimes so cruel. I hope these suggestions can help young players avoid some 'detours'."

"."

By the time Sports Center closed at 11 a.m., discussion on social media about Duncan's comments had skyrocketed.

Some senior sports commentators thought that fans would scoff at such a view, but they did not expect that the vast majority of fans would agree with it. These days, there is no hope of winning the championship without "sticking together".

The last person to make such remarks was also a former MVP. Garnett claimed that he regretted not forming a team earlier.

If the Celtics' "Big Four" played together at the age of 27, the situation would be completely different. Garnett's remarks have influenced many players, which is one of the reasons why the free market has become increasingly hot this year.

The highest honor, the "One Man, One City Award", is suddenly not so attractive anymore, loyalty seems not worth singing about, and a Dallas reporter broke the news on Twitter that Nowitzki is also considering leaving.

Garnett, who had been silent for almost a month, also retweeted some of the comments on Twitter and updated his status to reiterate his suggestions:
"In this era, if you want to pursue greatness and win more championships, forming a team early is the best choice. Players should control their own destiny."

"Loyalty will win the fans' love, but the price may be nothing in your career. I understand Tim and I don't regret the choice I made."

"."

Harden's Timberwolves fans were devastated. In the eyes of their idol, loyalty had become a stumbling block on the road to the championship. Such a point of view was unacceptable, and the Twitter comment section was filled with an uproar.

Interestingly, Chris Bosh, who has been very active on social media, quickly retweeted Garnett's post:
"Factos!"

Bosh, who has already entered the free market, has no plans to return to the Raptors. Hearing the true thoughts of the two MVPs, he felt happy. The fans in Toronto probably won't blame him.

Chicago fans also strongly agree with this view. Everyone is looking forward to Wade returning to his hometown, and with Bosh, the team can form a "Big Five"!
This lineup can definitely dominate the Eastern Conference. Loyalty is indeed a stumbling block for the Bulls on their road to team building. Bulls fans can't wait to see the young people form a group.

-

In the afternoon, Knicks fans in the New York metropolitan area watched MSG's talk show on time, and the heated discussions on social media were far less than that of Li You's interview.

The championship parade will start tomorrow. In addition to warming up for the event, the program will focus more on talking about the team's future. General Manager Donnie Walsh and Li You will answer questions that fans are concerned about.

At 14 p.m., hosts Mike Breen and Walter Frazier pointed to the new championship banner at the Tarrytown Training Center and said loudly:
"After completing the great eight consecutive championships, the Knicks ushered in the 8th championship banner. I think many New York fans, like me, are looking forward to the arrival of October."

Walter Frazier, wearing a blue and orange plaid suit, showed an expectant look. The famous player still had a big beard and he seemed to be smiling like a flower in front of the camera.

"Starting in July this year, Madison Square Garden will be upgraded, and in the future this ancient arena will provide better services for New York fans."

Mike Breen started promoting the latest developments of the team again. The upgrade of the old stadium was also called for by the fans. Everyone is looking forward to the expansion of capacity, and the tickets for the screaming seats would be better if they could be cheaper.

After discussing the need for reinforcements for the cheerleaders, the two who arrived at the training hall quickly hugged and greeted Li You and his group. Walter Fred also asked with concern:

"Lee, how's your ankle? I think this is what the fans are most concerned about."

Li You, wearing the Knicks' latest blue championship T-shirt, raised his eyebrows, stretched his ankles, and said with a smile:
"It will take some time to recover. Thank God, at least I was able to play the two most important games!"

Li You, dressed in sportswear, still looked affected by some injuries when he walked, but considering the situation at the time, there was no structural damage, which could indeed be said to be God's blessing.

Donnie Walsh, wearing glasses, also wore a championship T-shirt. The old man was in a good mood. He took the lead again in this year's draft.

After winning eight consecutive championships, Li You stopped interfering in the affairs of the draft this year, which made all the staff members who were lying down perked up.

The 30th pick, the 48th pick (from Boston), and the 60th pick, although the draft picks are not high, shopping on Taobao is also a lot of fun!
They have burst out with unprecedented enthusiasm for work, wanting to show their talents in everything from operations management to scout assistant coaching. Power always fascinates people, and everyone is very satisfied with Li You's delegation of power.

It’s been more than 10 years, it’s time to taste the sweetness!
"Donnie, let's talk about the progress of our draft. We always get excellent pieces at the end of the first round. What preparations have we made this year?"

After hearing Mike Breen's question, Donnie Walsh immediately talked about his recent preparations. When talking about the tryout, Li You followed suit and praised him, praising the newbie like a flower.

The commercial praise made Donnie Walsh feel so proud that he didn't even feel the pain of taking the blame. Finally, he took the initiative to talk about the luxury tax issue and further explained:

"Although the new collective bargaining agreement has not yet been finalized, the high luxury tax has never been a problem for the Knicks."

There is no doubt that this is the answer that fans like to hear, but in fact, the luxury tax is indeed a problem!

According to insiders from the league and the union, the biggest change in the new labor agreement is destined to be the "second luxury tax line", which is specially set for big players like the Knicks.

Although the specific regulations have not yet been determined, after triggering this line, there is a high probability that no buyout contracts, no use of the mid-level exception, no trading of future draft picks, no use of cash, and no trading exception matching will occur.

Some even suggested that if the trigger is triggered for two consecutive years, the next first-round pick will be directly downgraded to the last tier.

The league not only plans to add corresponding clauses for the rich, but also for the "poor" to stimulate the teams' "consumption".

However, this has encountered strong opposition from many small-market teams. In short, it is difficult for the three parties to reach a consensus at present. After the labor-management agreement expires, the possibility of a lockout is increasing.

After praising the curly-haired boss, Donnie Walsh talked about his future plans:

"Like Lee said, our goal is not only to build a dynasty, but more importantly to establish a true winning culture!"

"Our goal in the next few years is still to surpass the Celtics. How to maintain the desire for victory is the top priority in the next few years. We have a detailed plan for this." "Lee will still chase the championship, but I think he needs to stop for a while. 1327 games, including 229 playoff games, Lee has given everything for the championship."

The outrageous number of games made Donnie Walsh involuntarily raise his voice. Although this was an excuse he came up with, the fact was so outrageous.

The two people on the side kept nodding. Walter Fraser suddenly looked at Li You and asked curiously:

"Lee, can you tell me about your plans for the future? Besides winning the championship, what other goals do you have for the next few years?"

“Looking for fun!”

Such an answer was certainly not from the script. As soon as Li You finished speaking, the three of them were confused and did not understand the meaning of "fun" for a moment.

"Basketball always brings happiness to people. After winning 12 championships, I always think of the feeling when I first came into contact with this sport. It was pure happiness."

In front of the camera, Li You answered and took the basketball thrown by the staff. After a simple rotation, the basketball began to spin on his fingertips.

“I’ve been blessed to have success in this league, and I hope to infuse that joy into our winning culture in the coming years.”

“I will focus on taking on new challenges. Like I said, the future belongs to the young!”

"I like to see the technical characteristics of different players and new tactical systems, which can provide more exciting games for our fans."

Mike Breen, who has been commentating on the Knicks games for many years, understood what was said, and translated it as "no opponent".
In the following time, the four of them began to talk about the hot offseason. Li You did not have any suggestions on this topic, but Donnie Walsh gave some recruitment targets.

When it comes to the topic of loyalty, Li You was not as frank as the outdated MVPs, but he also gave his own opinion:

"I'm honored to have the support of Knicks Lumberjack!"

"But a championship is never won by individual performance. It is the result of the hard work of everyone in the team."

"I will not blame young people for whatever choices they make. Pursuing championships is worth encouraging."

-

That night, Paul Pierce and Garnett, who had watched the show, organized another dinner party. Since Marbury had given up on himself, only Ray Allen and Rondo showed up.

The last time they came to this restaurant, Danny Ainge had promised Garnett a big deal. Thinking back to that scene, Garnett felt bad. He looked at the three people who were silent and whispered:

"Guys, I don't want to be a coward, we deserve a championship!"

"The real championship window has appeared. I don't want to explain anything, but this is our last chance."

As he spoke, Garnett began to puff his beard and glare, and finally excitedly pumped his fist, as if reminding the three that their championship was coming.

As a native leader, Pierce did not want to leave after opting out of his contract. Li You sent a signal that as a member of the old Deng, he also wanted to launch the final sprint:

"I'm willing to take a pay cut, Bro. I really want to win once, even without Lee, I'd love to get a championship like this."

Pierce said this in a low voice and then looked at Ray Allen. The purpose of the salary cut was to retain the "giant". Rondo on the side was stunned and asked in confusion:
"Are you crazy!? Take a pay cut? Why do this? The team should offer us a big contract."

Ray Allen, who was also stunned, could not help but frowned and looked at the two of them helplessly and said:

"Man, you don't have to do this. No one should sacrifice their salary."

Pierce, who made the sacrifice, shook his head, as if recalling his career experience, and said with some disappointment:
"This is not a matter of salary. I don't want to be like Tim Duncan and Kobe and get nothing. Bro, we need you. I will convince Ainge to keep the main rotation."

"We can try again and win a real championship!"

The news of the disbandment of the defending champion did make Ray Allen a little excited. According to the plan, the Knicks lacked salary space, and if he wanted to play in New York, it would naturally be a sign-and-trade deal.

Pierce's salary cut did make Ray Allen feel sincere. Seeing his teammates' hesitation, Gartner's eyes turned red and he said excitedly:

"Think about what we have sacrificed for the championship. Now young people are beginning to imitate us. Bro, this may be our last chance."

"."

Rondo didn't say anything. He wished Danny Ainge would break up the team. It would be best if he could send old Danny away and replace him with young people to lead the team.

"I need to think about it, and I want to talk to management about this again."

Still no immediate agreement, as soon as Ray Allen finished speaking, Pierce and Garnett smiled again and began to flatter him, changing their previous tough attitude.

Rondo was disdainful when he saw this scene, but his face remained calm. He just looked at the two tough guys, Pierce and Garnett, and subconsciously complained in his heart:

"These two wimps should be sent away!"

-

On Monday, June 6, ESPN broadcast the grand championship parade in New York at 21 a.m., with far more participants than ever before, and all the Knicks players boarded the float.

The sky above the Canyon of Heroes was filled with blue and orange ribbons. When six floats passed by, the isolation belt was almost broken through by the crazy New York fans.

"Champions! Lee is my father!!"

"God-Lee!!"

"Fuck Lakers! Fuck"

The excited New York fans not only shouted wildly, many of them also wore strange costumes, putting on Spider-Man suits in the weather of over 20 degrees, and then formed a human wall and shouted loudly.

Manhattan was in a frenzy. Stephen A. Smith, wearing a Knicks championship T-shirt, burst into tears in front of the camera. The famous basketball commentator kept shouting:
"14 championships! It's not over! We'll keep winning! We'll surpass Boston!"

"Win! Win! Win!"

On the front float, Li You raised his hands and screamed repeatedly. The shouts from all around were getting louder and louder. Bloomberg at the back almost went up and punched Li You twice, thinking of the well-behaved and cute Aurelius!
The old man found that Aurelius was becoming more and more like Li You, especially when he smiled shyly, the similarity reached 90%.

In the past, the mayor would always be booed, but this time no one paid attention to him, everyone was cheering for Li You.

James Dolan, who was wearing a hat, was also screaming. After winning eight consecutive championships, he was still able to pass on the blame and save money. He was so tired of winning. As long as he won three more championships, the Knicks would become the most successful team in history.

The Curly Boss is very confident about this goal. In addition to Li You's strength, the league also guarantees that the Knicks are destined to win!
The smell of champagne in the home team's locker room had not yet dissipated, and Gasol and others started drinking from the championship parade customized version of Spade Ace.

Perhaps unwilling to see the traffic return to New York, Adrian Wojnarowski, a well-known columnist for Yahoo Sports, suddenly updated a tweet during the championship parade:
"LeBron James' team is 'drifting away' from the Cavaliers, and the countdown to the departure of the Chosen One has begun."

"."

(End of this chapter)